Family of Barbershop Murder Victim Says Bond Set Too Low For Suspect

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Ashley Thompson

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The owner of a Selma Barbershop who's being charged with murder is now walking the streets again. The victim's family is upset because they believe his bond was set too low.

A family is distraught after their loved one, 35-year-old Terrance Effinger was shot to death inside of a Selma barbershop. The man accused of pulling the trigger is 31-year-old David Johnson the third. Johnson is being charged with murder and his bond was set at 100 thousand dollars, which Effinger's loved ones say is too low.

"He has taken a father away from his child," says Effinger's stepmother Marilyn Maresette. "He has taken a son away from his mother. He has taken a husband away from his wife...and he's walking around?"

Johnson posted bond, about 10 thousand dollars, and is now a free man. Effinger's aunt, Diane Lee, says she believes it's because his mother has connections to Congresswoman Terri Sewell.

"This boy's mother works for Terri Sewell," she says. "When you know people in higher places, this is the kind of treatment you get."

Dallas County District Attorney Michael Jackson says he doesn't believe Johnson's connections had anything to do with it and says a 100 thousand dollar bond is not a low bond.

"Most of the bonds in Montgomery are probably around 50 thousand on a murder," he says.

Though Jackson now says he wants to get Johnson's bond revoked completely and get him back in jail. This, after uncovering Johnson was already out on bond for an assault charge.

"The assault happened a few months ago," says Jackson. "The murder happened recently. So while he was out on bond on that, he committed this murder."

Family members say it's too little too late but want to see Johnson back in jail for good. Effinger leaves behind a wife and an 11-year-old son who says he misses his dad.